Hirdaramani apparel: Weaving sustainability into the core of business

For Hirdaramani Apparel, sustainability is not a standalone initiative – it is a way of doing business. With over a century of industry experience and a presence across Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Ethiopia and Vietnam, the Company has integrated Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into every part of its value chain.

Recognised with a Silver Award under the ESG & Sustainability category at the CIMA-JXG Pinnacle Awards 2025, Hirdaramani Apparel’s leadership in sustainability reflects a consistent, measurable and purpose-led approach to doing business responsibly.

A Strategy Built on Accountability

At the heart of Hirdaramani Apparel’s sustainability agenda is its Future First Sustainability Roadmap – a strategic framework that addresses environmental impact, people empowerment and ethical governance. It is supported by robust data management platforms and Country-level sustainability leads to ensure implementation, performance tracking and accountability.

Environmental Responsibility in Action

Hirdaramani’s manufacturing operations are built on resource efficiency and innovation. Seventeen of its facilities are LEED-certified, including seven Platinum and ten Gold certifications. These factories incorporate renewable energy, optimised energy usage, water-saving systems and circular waste strategies into their core infrastructure.

Water management is a priority, with the Company deploying smart and eco-friendly washing technologies. These have enabled significant reductions in water usage across industrial processes. Additionally, rainwater harvesting and reverse osmosis recycling are integrated into plant operations.

Chemical management is guided by stringent global standards, including full compliance with ZDHC and Higg FEM Level 3. Hirdaramani Apparel facilities also maintain OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifications, further strengthening the Company’s commitment to safe and responsible production.

Circular Innovation and Product Sustainability

Hirdaramani Apparel has pioneered several sustainable product innovations. ‘The Loop’ - a closed-loop system for recycling fabric and garment waste supports a more circular apparel economy. The use of natural dyes from local plants and a plant-based detergent solution, recognised with a Silver Award at the UNIDO Global Chemical Leasing Awards 2025, showcases how sustainability is embedded in product development.

Biodiversity projects, including mangrove reforestation in Anawilundawa and catchment conservation at the Kelani River basin, extend environmental responsibility beyond manufacturing to ecosystem restoration and protection.

A Strong Social Commitment

People are central to Hirdaramani Apparel’s sustainability journey. Since 2014, Wonders of Well-being (WOW) programme supports employees’ mental, physical, financial, social and environmental well-being across the spheres of self, work, family and community.

Beyond the workplace, partnerships with organisations like Lacoste and the UNDP to uplift communities. A notable initiative is the Integrated Poultry Farming and Agriculture Project in Vavuniya, which now includes a local marketplace that helps improve nutrition and family incomes for over 100 households.

Existing education and youth programmes include the Bright Kids Preschool for children of employees and long-standing support for the SURASA Child Development Centre, where Hirdaramani installed solar panels in 2024 to reduce energy dependency and promote sustainable learning environments.

In healthcare, the company has supported the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children since 2010, providing facility refurbishments, essential supplies and volunteer engagement. Partnerships such as that with the Cyril Dharmawardana Foundation ensure access to emergency care for underserved communities.

Governance as a Guiding Principle

What sets Hirdaramani apart is not only what it does but how it does it. Sustainability governance is embedded through structured leadership, regular reporting and digital monitoring systems such as Future First Portal, which enable the tracking of carbon emissions, impact metrics and project outcomes.

As the apparel sector evolves to meet new challenges, Hirdaramani continues to demonstrate that businesses can thrive while being accountable to people and the planet. Its success is not only measured in products or profits, but in the tangible and lasting impact it leaves behind—locally, regionally and globally.